Exploring options to big tech has led me to different services that mirror what Google, MS, or Apple provide in terms of document suites, browsers, search, email clients, and now email providers. So far, I’ve started using:
- Vivaldi Bowser & Email client
- Qwant Search
- Brave Bowser & Search
- DuckDuckGo Browser & Search
- CryptPad Open Source Document Suite.
- Pronton Office Suite, including proton.me email.
Over the past month, I’ve been using Vivaldi heavily. I’ll go to the old browser to move PWs over, or look up something in my history, but I am largely just using Vivaldi for my browser and email client(I also have to use Chrome to access some Google features.) It is not a reluctant acceptance of something lesser because I want to move away from Google and the others. I’ve found that I have a genuine preference for Vivaldi in all aspects of my use.
While I started with CryptPad as an alternative, I am also using Proton more and more. CryptPad has some shortcomings that will likely make me move completely to Proton. Chief among them is the lack of functional spell check. I am a horrible speller, so spell check is necessary for me.
Next on the list is an email provider. Google and iCloud are clearly dependable and Google provides access to it’s documents and spreadsheet apps. But, they also collect our data, use it to sell ads, and generally make it clear that we are a commodity.
Proton looks like a very viable alternative. It has the office doc function of Google Business Suites (GBS) as well as email. I’ve been using it over the past few weeks, and I like the tool so far. Honestly, I have to remember to go to it rather than GBS since Google has done a good job of integrating everything… every click seems to lead to a google function or tool. But, given a bit of time, the habits will be developed and using Proton will become more natural.
How I got to Proton.me
This next part is just principle, not practical. In the US, the government has demonstrated a willingness to collect our data. From confiscating phones to video facial identification, to contracting with data brokers, we are a heavily surveilled citizenry. Given the ease with which tech giants in the U.S. cave to the government (wasn’t always this way), I’d rather minimize my dependency on these companies. So, having services like email (along with documents) encrypted end to end is appealing to me.
When looking for an email provider, I have the following criteria:
1) Security and privacy are a top priority
2) Reliable, on-going dependability
3) Browser-based and mobile app email clients
4) Ability to access and manage other email accounts
Since US-base tech companies seem to be more concerned with profit and government action than the privacy of the users, I’d also like to avoid US-base email providers.
With this in mind, I’ve landed on Proton.me. This is a Swiss-based company that prioritizes privacy and security. Being in Switzerland, there is a culture of privacy that is globally renown.
All email is encrypted. The server has nothing on it that authorities can access, and it is not subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
Proton.me also has all the other features I am looking for.
Like the other privacy-centric, encrypted services, there is a greater responsibility for the user to keep track of the access credentials. If you lose the login and the backup phrase, You’re out of luck.
A bonus of the Proton.me service is that it includes the equivalent of Google Business Suite. I am testing this and will compare it to CryptPad. But, early use indicates it may be what I am looking for.
Tech Inertia is a Bitch
It is too easy to simply click and accept what the big tech companies feed us. They do make it easy, which seems like a positive. And in may respects, it is. But there is a price.
The fact that you have to spend a fair bit of time to find alternatives is an indication of how much we’ve acquiesced. In a country that claims we thrive on competition, we’ve pretty much eliminated domestic competitors in the tech space. There are a few giants and they’ve carved up the tech eco system. In any one segment, you have one dominant player, and perhaps one or two token competitors.
The “click and accept” is technically about the terms of service. But, it goes much deeper. We are accepting a company that leverages and sells our personal information, gives into government intrusions, supports politicians who go against our interests, and generally champions business strategies (big data centers, deregulation, litigation/legal manipulations), that ultimate work against individuals.
Inertia keeps us on this path. Only through effort can we mitigate the tech giants that control the landscape. Look for alternatives; find email providers other than gmail or yahoo, or outlook; look for different office doc services; buy direct from companies – or even (OMG) buy off-line.